The Writers' Room: Flying High And Loving Deeply With Romantasy
Digest
This episode of Riders Room delves into the burgeoning world of Romanticcy, a literary genre that combines fantasy and romance. The episode features interviews with authors Nisha J. Toole, Kimberly Lemming, and Marcella DiBlazi, who discuss the genre's definition, its appeal, and its potential for exploring complex themes. The conversation highlights the genre's popularity, with sales of Romanticcy novels increasing by 42% between 2022 and 2023. The authors also address the genre's escapist nature, its ability to provide a sense of hope and empowerment, and the importance of diverse voices within the genre. The episode concludes with a discussion of favorite Romanticcy tropes and recommendations for readers looking to explore the genre.
Outlines
Introduction to Romanticcy
This Chapter introduces the concept of Romanticcy, a popular literary genre that blends elements of fantasy and romance. It highlights the genre's rapid growth, with sales increasing by 42% between 2022 and 2023. The chapter also introduces the episode's guests, Nisha J. Toole, Kimberly Lemming, and Marcella DiBlazi, who are authors of Romanticcy novels.
Defining Romanticcy
This Chapter delves into the definition of Romanticcy, exploring the differences between Romanticcy, fantasy romance, and paranormal romance. The authors discuss the genre's key elements, including magic, high stakes, and love stories. They also share their personal perspectives on how they categorize their own novels.
Humor and Escapism in Romanticcy
This Chapter explores the role of humor and escapism in Romanticcy. Kimberly Lemming, known for her comedic fantasy rom-coms, discusses the inspiration behind her unique book titles and how she incorporates humor into her writing. The chapter also features listener feedback highlighting the genre's escapist nature and its ability to provide respite from the real world.
Romanticcy Beyond Escapism
This Chapter delves into the deeper themes and messages explored in Romanticcy. The authors argue that the genre is more than just escapist fiction, highlighting its potential for exploring complex themes such as female empowerment, female pleasure, and the complexities of relationships. They discuss how Romanticcy can provide a platform for diverse voices and perspectives.
Diversity and Representation in Romanticcy
This Chapter examines the issue of diversity and representation in the Romanticcy genre. The authors acknowledge the publishing industry's historical lack of diversity and discuss the importance of amplifying voices from marginalized communities. They highlight the contributions of writers of color and the ways in which they are shaping the genre.
Keywords
Romanticcy
A popular literary genre that blends elements of fantasy and romance. It typically features magical worlds, high-stakes conflicts between good and evil, and central love stories. The term "Romanticcy" is a relatively new one, gaining popularity in recent years, particularly on social media, as a way for readers to identify and share their preferences for this type of fiction.
Fantasy Romance
A subgenre of fantasy fiction that focuses on romantic relationships between characters. It often features elements of magic, mythical creatures, and epic adventures. Fantasy romance stories can range from lighthearted and comedic to dark and intense, with a focus on the development of the romantic relationship alongside the fantasy plot.
Paranormal Romance
A subgenre of romance fiction that features supernatural elements, such as vampires, werewolves, ghosts, or other paranormal beings. It often takes place in a contemporary setting, with the supernatural elements integrated into the everyday lives of the characters. Paranormal romance stories typically focus on the romantic relationship between a human and a supernatural being.
Escapism
The act of seeking distraction and relief from reality through engaging in activities or consuming media that provides a temporary escape from everyday life. In literature, escapist fiction often features fantastical settings, exciting adventures, and idealized characters, allowing readers to immerse themselves in a world that is different from their own.
Female Empowerment
The process of women gaining power and control over their own lives, challenging traditional gender roles and societal expectations. In literature, female empowerment is often depicted through strong female characters who are independent, assertive, and capable of achieving their goals. Romanticcy, in particular, can explore themes of female empowerment through stories that feature women who are not only romantically fulfilled but also powerful and capable in their own right.
Diverse Voices
The inclusion of a wide range of perspectives, experiences, and identities in literature. This includes representing characters from different racial, ethnic, cultural, gender, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The importance of diverse voices in literature lies in its ability to challenge stereotypes, promote understanding, and create more inclusive and representative narratives.
Tropes
Common and recurring elements, motifs, or devices found in literature and other forms of storytelling. Tropes can be used to create familiar patterns and expectations for readers, but they can also be subverted or played with to create unique and unexpected twists. Some common tropes in Romanticcy include "fated mates," "enemies to lovers," and "forced proximity."
Gamer Lit
A subgenre of fiction that incorporates elements of video games, role-playing games, and gaming culture. Gamer lit stories often feature characters who are gamers, who participate in virtual worlds, or who are involved in quests or challenges that are reminiscent of video games. The genre can explore themes of escapism, fantasy, and the relationship between the real and virtual worlds.
Space Opera
A subgenre of science fiction that features epic adventures, interstellar travel, and grand conflicts between civilizations. Space opera stories often involve advanced technology, alien races, and complex political intrigue. The genre can also incorporate elements of romance, adventure, and fantasy.
Gothic Novel
A genre of fiction that emerged in the late 18th century, characterized by dark and mysterious settings, supernatural elements, and themes of death, decay, and the macabre. Gothic novels often feature strong female characters who are trapped in oppressive situations and who must confront their own fears and desires. The genre has influenced many later literary movements, including Romanticcy, which draws on its themes of suspense, intrigue, and the exploration of the darker aspects of human nature.
Q&A
What is Romanticcy and what makes it so popular?
Romanticcy is a genre that blends fantasy and romance, featuring magical worlds, high-stakes conflicts, and central love stories. Its popularity is driven by its escapist nature, its ability to provide hope and empowerment, and its exploration of complex themes.
How do authors incorporate humor into Romanticcy?
Authors like Kimberly Lemming use humor to create lighthearted and engaging stories. They often draw inspiration from real-life experiences and reactions to create comedic moments within their fantastical worlds.
Is Romanticcy just escapist fiction, or does it have deeper meaning?
While Romanticcy offers escapism, it also explores themes of female empowerment, female pleasure, and the complexities of relationships. It provides a platform for diverse voices and perspectives, allowing readers to engage with complex issues in a fantastical setting.
How diverse is the Romanticcy genre?
The Romanticcy genre, like the publishing industry as a whole, has historically lacked diversity. However, writers of color are increasingly contributing to the genre, bringing in new perspectives and challenging traditional narratives.
What are some popular tropes in Romanticcy?
Common tropes include "fated mates," "enemies to lovers," and "forced proximity." These tropes provide familiar patterns and expectations for readers, but they can also be subverted or played with to create unique and unexpected twists.
What are some recommendations for readers interested in exploring Romanticcy?
For those new to the genre, Kimberly Lemming's books are a good starting point, offering lighthearted and fun reads. Nisha J. Toole's "Fate of the Sun King" is another option, offering a compelling story with a focus on female empowerment. For those seeking a more immersive experience, N.K. Jemisin's "100,000 Kingdoms" trilogy is highly recommended.
How do authors create compelling female characters in Romanticcy?
Authors focus on how their characters react to situations, their choices, and their relationships. They create characters who are not only strong and capable but also relatable and complex, allowing readers to connect with them on an emotional level.
What are some examples of Romanticcy books that feature diverse voices and perspectives?
Authors like Zora de la Corva, Rermina Garber, and Isabel Ibanyez are writing Romanticcy novels that explore diverse cultures, mythologies, and experiences. These books challenge traditional narratives and offer fresh perspectives on themes of oppression, power, and love.
What are some of the authors' favorite Romanticcy tropes?
The authors express a fondness for tropes such as "fated mates," "enemies to lovers," and "forced proximity." They also enjoy exploring themes of good versus evil, and the complexities of relationships in fantastical settings.
What are some of the authors' favorite Romanticcy books?
The authors recommend books such as "This Quest is Bullshit" by JP Valentine, "The Hurricane Wars" by N.K. Jemisin, and "The Chronicles of Gatid" by K. Dorr. These books offer a range of experiences, from comedic adventures to epic space operas, all with a focus on romance and fantasy.
Show Notes
What's driving this surge in fantastical romances? And what can they teach us about dreaming big, loving deeply, and not giving up hope even when the odds are stacked against us?
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